Course overview

Early Years: Education and Childcare T Level City of Bristol College

The T Level in Early Years: Education and Childcare will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment, higher-level technical training or university level study in the Education and Childcare sector.

This is a 2-year programme where you cover common core elements in the first year and choose your occupation specialism in the 2nd year. This occupation-specific qualification meets the Early Years Educator Criteria and has been recognised and approved by the Department for Education.

Dates and applications

Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.

Early Years: Education and Childcare T Level College Green Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LGF1313D01-1
Dates
04/09/2023 - 19/06/2025
Duration
2 years
Days
Mon, Tues & Weds
Hours per week
19.60
Start Time
09:15
Location
College Green Centre
Fee
This course costs £0. If you are aged 16-18 and looking to study full time; you will not pay any tuition fees. If you are aged 19 or over, you may also be eligible to study for free. Please contact us to discuss your options or visit our Financial Support page.
Apply
Early Years: Education and Childcare T Level College Green Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LGF1313D01-1
Dates
02/09/2024 - 18/06/2026
Duration
2 years
Days
Date/Day(s) Being Finalised
Hours per week
19.60
Start Time
09:15
Location
College Green Centre
Fee
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Apply
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
LGF1313D01-1 04/09/2023 - 19/06/2025 2 years Mon, Tues & Weds 19.60 09:15 College Green Centre
This course costs £0. If you are aged 16-18 and looking to study full time; you will not pay any tuition fees. If you are aged 19 or over, you may also be eligible to study for free. Please contact us to discuss your options or visit our Financial Support page.
Apply
LGF1313D01-1 02/09/2024 - 18/06/2026 2 years Date/Day(s) Being Finalised 19.60 09:15 College Green Centre
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
Apply

Additional information

Who is this course for?

This qualification is for learners who are interested in working in the childcare industry, including in careers like Teaching, Early Years Educators and teaching assistant pathways. If progressing from a Level 2 qualification, you will need GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 with a Distinction/ B in a Level 2 Early Years qualification. Previous experience of work experience in a nursery/primary setting is an advantage, as is working with guides/beavers/scouts.

What you'll learn

During the two-year course you will undertake industry placements where you will focus on key elements of effective practice, and work alongside key people to develop skills and competencies of supporting a group of children. This will be at least 715 hours over the two year period. You will be expected to build a small portfolio of your skills and knowledge in preparation for external assessments. 

Course entry requirements

In order to study the T Level you will need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above to include English Literature, English Language and Maths
  • To complete a group interview and small diagnostic task to assess your current working level

How is the course delivered and assessed?

The T Level is delivered through classroom-based and practical learning, at college and on industry placement.

The Technical Qualification is the main classroom-based element of the course, and consists of the core component and occupational specialism component.

Core modules include:

  • child development from 0-19
  • behaviour, observation and assessment
  • equality and diversity
  • health and safety
  • working with parents/carers and families
  • safeguarding
  • supporting education provisions from early years, primary and secondary
  • special educational needs and disability (SEND)
  • English as an additional language
  • reflective practice

The two options for the occupation specialism are Early Years Educator and Assisting Teaching. Early Years Educator covers play, building relationships with children, safeguarding and keeping children safe, planning and preparing for all children and finally partnership working with a variety of professionals. 

Assisting Teaching covers supporting the teacher to enhance education, plan educational opportunities, safeguarding in the school environment, working with children with additional needs and disabilities to support access to the primary curriculum

A significant component of the occupational specialism is the industrial placement, which will last for a minimum of 715 hours during the 2-year period.

Future career and study opportunities

Successful completion of this qualification is recognised within the Early Years industry, which means you will be able to be counted in EYFS staff child ratios, have a key group of children and hold a supervisory role. You will also be able to progress onto an Early Years/Education/Primary Teaching access to higher education course or a foundation degree.

Additional costs

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationery. 

Many courses offer learning opportunities that you may need to pay for. This may include things like study visits and visiting speakers. We will let you know in advance if there will be additional costs.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.

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